Let's Play

Some great ladies at a blog I love, Self Reliant Sisters, have put together a great little booklet of things to make and do with your kids. I just had to pass it along since I am sure there will be afternoons I still need to fill this summer.

(I really love the homemade guitar - cause you know we have tons of cereal boxes laying around)

Click here to view the booklet in pdf form and to print it out for yourself. Send me some pics or comments about how your kids liked these projects.

Red Rock ROCKS!

This is the first post in my "outdoor" series. My family loves to go to Red Rock Canyon and hike around and enjoy some typically beautiful weather.

It does cost $5 for entrance into the park or you can buy an annual pass for $20 is you plan on going a few times. Check here for a map of how to get there.

We have a few favorite trails... Calico is where you can actually climb on the beautiful "Red" rocks. The Children's Discovery Trail is our all time favorite (around the top of the scenic route).

Want some other cool ideas at Red Rock? When I was looking up links for ya, I found out that they have a LOT of classes and/or hikes for the kids. Check here for a list of June ativities or look at the calendar at the top of this blog. Simply call 702-515-5367 to register and save your spot.

Outdoor Picture Show

Are you having fun watching movies under the stars?

Here is another month of movies showing at The District at Green Valley Ranch. (fyi - this will go on through October! - I will do a post at the beginning of each month with the list for that month). Click here for details about parking, seating, etc.

ENJOY!!

Friday, 06/05 at 8:00 pm - Space Chimps (G)
Saturday, 06/06 at 8:00 pm - Iron Man (PG edited)
Friday, 06/12 at 8:00 pm - Horton Hears A Who (G)
Saturday, 06/13 at 8:00 pm - The Longshots (PG)
Friday, 06/19 at 8:00 pm - The Muppet Movie (G)
Saturday, 06/20 at 8:00 pm - Journey to the Center of the Earth (PG)
Friday, 06/26 at 8:00 pm - Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG)
Saturday, 06/27 at 8:00 pm - Annie (PG)

Movies Al Fresco

Much like the movies on the lawn at The District, Lake Las Vegas' MonteLago Village has a similar movie experience. Bring a blanket and enjoy a movie under the stars with your family - for FREE! This could make for a really nice evening out, since you will be so close to the lake and therefore it may be nice and cool. Here is the schedule of events for this summer - movies start at 8:00pm.

June 4 - Marley & Me

June 11 - Legend of the Crystal Skull
June 18 - Beverly Hills Chihauhau
June 25 - Twilight

July 2 - Ironman

July 9 - Ma Ma Mia
July 16 - The Water Horse
July 23 - Journey to the Center of the Earth
July 30 - Breakin
Aug 6 - Shrek 3
Aug 13 - Ink Heart
Aug 20 - Bolt

Clearly, some flicks are more appropriate for older kids or date night for mom & dad. Either way, they are still FREE!!! And you know I love FREE!!

Springs Preserve

This place is pretty cool - I would have to say a lot cooler than I expected (is that terrible?). Your kids can spend hours learning about geology, walking the trails outside, or taking it easy indoors while learning how to "be green" or about the history of our state. Don't you just love fun places that sneak in education at the same time?

There are at least 3 classes a day at the Preserve. I won't put all of them on the calendar, but defiantly check them out to see if any interest you. They have yoga, walking clubs, story time, birdwatching, and I am really liking the idea of the Stroller club.

The Springs Preserve is open from 10am to 6pm (trails close at dusk). You can buy an annual pass online for your family for only $75. Quite a deal for my little brood since each trip at general admission would cost us $40.

Let's see, what else do you need to know... Here is a map of the facility, and a map of how to get there.

I really hope you like it as much as we do!

Fun at Sun Kid's Club

Need to do some mall shopping? Why not go on the first and third Tuesday of the month? Why you ask? On these days at the Galleria Mall in Henderson, is a neat little program Fun at Sun Kid's Club. Each day they have a different themed activity. Here is list of what they have for the next few months - enjoy & happy shopping!

5/19/2009
Our Pets - Fur, feathers and scales. BOO will bring in photos of his pets- let's see yours'. How to love, protect and look after our faithful friends!Food Court, 10:30am

6/2/2009
Dental Health Day - When we grow up we only have one set of teeth. Let's learn how to look after them with flossing, brushing and dental visits. Lower Level, next to Gordon's Jewelers, 10:30am

6/16/2009
Let's show our Dads' how much we love them. BOO has a Father's Day card for you to give Dad on his special day! Lower Level, next to Gordon's Jewelers, 10:30am.

7/7/2009
Celebrate our country's birthday-music, flags, and parades. Let's see how many Presidents we can name! Lower Level, next to Gordon's Jewelers, 10:30am.

7/21/2009
Fun in the Sun!! Enjoy summer but let's be safe. What to wear....sunglasses, lotions, hats and plenty of water and being safe at the beach. Lower Level, next to Gordon's Jewelers, 10:30am.

Farmer's Market

When I think about summer, I think picnics, pools, watermelons, plums from my grandma's tree, and loads of other scrumptious fruits! I have wanted to hit Henderson's Farmer's Market for some time, but have yet to make it down there. This summer, I was thinking about making a day of it.

A day or so before you go, have a little lesson with the kids about food groups and the importance of eating healthy. Have them cut out pictures from the grocery ads (you know how I love my ads so this may be hard for me) and do one of two things: Older kids can arrange them in a food pyramid (like the one here), or get a few paper plates and have them create a "meal" with their cut outs.

Take a trip to the market and see how many items you can pick for your "meal" or just go see how many fruits and veggies they can name.
For dates and times, click below
Henderson's Farmer's Market - Water Street in Henderson
Clark County Backyard Farmer Market
LV Farmers Market - Multiple locations

Anderson Dairy Tour

Take a field trip! One of the best I have been on, is this little tour at Anderson Dairy. The Barnyard Buddies Tour. The kids get to tour the facility and even see some penguins helping out with the ice cream packaging - very "cool" (ha I crack myself up). Anyway, after a darling video presentation about the history of the dairy and the tour, the group meets back in the "tree" room for a cool treat - Free ice cream!

This tour has to be scheduled in advance. I am planning on scheduling at least 2 tours this summer, so keep an eye out for the dates. Otherwise, plan your own tour. Simply call 642-7507, extension 264.

When scheduling your tour, keep in mind driving time, so you aren't late... Anderson Dairy is located at 801 Searles Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Guess what is down the street? The Natural History Museum, and Children's Museum. This tour only lasts about an hour, so there's plenty of time for a second stop! Have fun - out of the sun!

Ethel M Chocolat Factory

I promised some FREE ideas, so hold on tight while I get a bunch off my list.

The first, and one of my favorites - Ethel M Chocolate Factory. In Henderson on 2 Cactus Garden Drive, the tours are open from 8:30am to 6:00pm. If you want to get a group of 10 or more together for a special tour, call 702.435.2655.

Here's how to make an afternoon of a 10 minute tour:

Take the kids on a free tour and get a free piece of chocolate. Next, walk through the cactus garden, and have the kids pick a few of their favorite plants. Take a few pieces of scrap paper and let them draw a picture of their plant. After you get home, look up the plant on-line and find a few cool facts about it. This may sound kinda silly, but my kids love this sort of thing!

Taste of Shakespeare

My friend John from choir is in charge of this production. Thought I would pass it along. I will do a spereate post on other things the Springs Preserve has to offer, but this one is coming up so thought you should know.

(I can't believe I figured out how to do a video in here - whoo hoo)

Las Vegas Drive-In

Joe had a great idea to check out the Drive-In for family night. I had wanted to go too so I could do a good post on it here since I can't find much information about it on the web. So, here's what I have:

Vegas 4 Drive-In Theatre

4150 West Carey Avenue, North Las Vegas, NV 89032

(702) 646-3565

Here is a list of what is playing and times. Admission is $6.25 per adult & $1 per child over 5 (I am assuming that is the age limit since we had to pay for our 5 & 8 yr old, but not our 3 & 1 yr olds)
** Special Tuesday Price $4.25 - not sure if children are cheaper as well on this day **

Some important notes:

*They only take cash but there is an ATM in the consession stand*

*Gates open an hour before the show*

*There is a playground and arcades at the consession stand*

*Lots of fun!*

(It really was fun, despite Jake's face - his favorite "alien" was just beheaded - taumatic)

Another plus is the kids may be alseep on the way home ;-)

More Cool Pools

For all my friends in 'Las Vegas' and 'North Las Vegas', I don't want you to feel left out! Here is the information about cool activity pools in your areas too.

Carlos L. Martinez and Darrio J. Hall Family Pool at Freedom Park

Silver Mesa Activity Pool - North Las Vegas

If you want information about other pools or parks in Las Vegas - check here.

Our friends in North Las Vegas - parks and rec - click here.

Pools Are Cool

The City of Henderson has some great programs for your family. This post is all the info you need for the pool/aquatic festivities they have to offer. Click here for times, locations, and prices of admission. Our family loves the activity pools since there is something for everyone. It is most advantageous to get the punch pass if you plan on making more than a few trips over the summer. I may plan some playgroups at the activity pools - bring a lunch and lots of sunscreen and let the kids wear themselves out! (I am beginning to think this is my underlying goal here)

If your child needs a little extra help with his/her swimming techniques, check out the many different swim classes they offer as well.

Summer Reading Program

I am a huge fan of reading with the kids and I love that the libraries have a great Summer Reading Program. From June 1st - July 31st kids can read books and earn prizes! It has been my experience that the sooner you get done the better (meaning you will actually get the prize at the end and not an i.o.u). This is a FREE program so much fun!

For Las Vegas-Clark County program details, click here. If you want to add storytimes and other free activities, check out this great list of fun and free things at these libraries! I don't think I will post all the activities on the main calendar since there are so many location options. Oh, I almost forgot, they also have a Teen Summer Reading Program if you have older kids too!

The Henderson Summer Reading Programs do not begin until June 13th. They do not have information up yet as far as the types of prizes the kids will earn. In the past, there have been free passes to the Children's Museum, or Shark Reef. I will keep an eye out and post again with the details. In he meantime, check HERE to create a personalized calendar of events for your family. This calendar is for the Green Valley and Paseo Verde libraries. To make one for your area, simply select your library in the top left box.

Lakeshore Learning Center

MORE FREEBIES!!

Get those creative juices flowing... Every Saturday from 11am to 3pm at Lakeshore Learning Center, kids can make a fantastic craft to show off to their friends! Click HERE for a location near you...

Upcoming Activities and Crafts:

Home Depot Kid Workshops

It's the first Saturday of the month... where should you be? Well, Home Depot of course! On the first Saturday of the month from 9am-12pm you can take the kids to any Home Depot store and let them bang on some wood and create a great little project! There are no sign-ups necessary for this project. Your children will receive their own Home Depot apron and each project they complete, they will earn a pin to attach to their apron (just like the big kids who work there).

I love that this is a project for most ages, and both boys AND girls! Which makes it extra special for me!

They say ages 5-12, but Jarrett, 3 1/2 did just fine his first time out (ok - I may have had a bit of fun myself helping him along).

The next workshop day will be June 6th. The kids will make a Hardware Sorter. What a perfect gift for Father's Day!

Lowe's Build and Grow

Did you know that Lowe's does a workshop for kids too - and it's FREE!!! It is held twice a month with a different project each time. Sign up here to reserve a spot and make sure your child gets his/her apron, safelty goggles, and patch of that project! I even hear they get suckers & there is a $10 coupon or moms and dads too - and you KNOW how I feel about coupons - yipee!!

(Here is my nephew sporting his new Lowe's gear - nice flower pot little man!!)

You will have to follow a few steps:

#1 Select which clinic & number of kids attending

#2 Select your store

#3 Sign up with your email address, phone number, etc and print out a waiver for your children

#4 - Show up and have a GREAT time!!

The next clinic will be on May 23rd from 10:00am -11:0am. Thy will be making a "Ready to Go Kit"

Free Mother's Day Craft

Here's one I wish I would have put up sooner. Michael's has been doing a FREE craft class for kiddies to make Mother's Day gifts. There are still 2 more classes if your kids need some last minute gift ideas.

Today's craft is a beading workshop. The ad says from 1:00-4:00pm today (5/9/09). Also, tomorrow, mom's and kids can decorate cookies together also from 1:00-4:00pm (5/10/09).

Check the store close to you for other events coming up. I will be posting events for the stores on Eastern - Silverado Ranch and the Stephanie location. As of right now, it seems they are both on the same schedule, but you may want to check the store close to you in case times are different.

FREE MOVIES

This has GOT to be my favorite thing to do in the summer! At the Regal Cinemas during the summer, you can take all the kids to the movies for FREE on Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am!!! Here is a quick rundown of what they are showing this summer at the Regal Colonnade 14 (Eastern and Pebble):

06/16/2009-06/17/2009
Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G)
Evan Almighty (PG)
06/23/2009-06/24/2009
Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)
Nim's Island (PG)
06/30/2009-07/01/2009
Horton Hears A Who (G)
Inkheart (PG)
07/07/2009-07/08/2009
The Tale Of Despereaux (G)
Kung Fu Panda (PG)
07/14/2009-07/15/2009
Everyone's Hero (G)
Surf's Up (PG)
07/21/2009-07/22/2009
Igor (PG)
Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG)
07/28/2009-07/29/2009
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G)
Bee Movie (PG)
08/04/2009-08/05/2009
Curious George (G)
Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)
08/11/2009-08/12/2009
Space Chimps (G)
Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)

They play both movies both days. I would suggest getting there at least 15 minutes early. It is first come, first serve & they fill up fast. I love that I can take all the kids, and if they are noisy - who cares! The place is chock FULL of kids!! We'll see you there!

p.s. if you go to the Colonnad on Easter, there is little park with a water feature across the street. Watch the movie, eat lunch at the park, let the kids run in the water, and enjoy a quiet afternoon after they pass out from all the excitement! ;-)

Natural History Museum

My boys call this the "Dinosaur Museum", which is funny because half the time we go they are still terrified of the dinosaurs!

The LV Natural History Museum is a fun place to go for a quick morning activity. We usually can get through everything the kids want to see in under 2 hours. Just in time for a lunch at the park across the parking lot and get home in time for naps.

Some cool things about this place:

• Every Saturday at 11:00 and 1:00 they will bring a "critter" out to visit the kiddies
• Every Saturday at 2pm you can go watch them feed the sharks and sting rays!
• Every Saturday at 11:30 and 1:30 kids can participate in Weekend Science activity. May is Archaeological Awareness and Preservation month, so the activities they have planned are all about fossils!

Check here for prices and hours. I would definatly suggest buying a family membership though! It only costs $45 for the entire family (regardless of how many kiddies you have)! If that deal doesn't strike you, print this coupon (you know I can't resist a good coupon) for one free admission... Enjoy!

Children's Museum

If you haven't been to the Lied Discovery Children's Museum lately, you are missing out. The museum got a much needed face lift earlier this year and it looks amazing! There are several new exhibits including games about food groups, a whole new town center that teaches the kids about being "green" and until the end of May - Clifford!!

I have found that this is one place I can take all my kids, ages 8-1, and there is something for all of them! We purchased an annual membership which for us works out to be quite cheap - since we go severl times during the year. Click HERE for prices and times.

There is always something fun going on at the museum. May is Asian Pacific Heritage Month, and every Saturday in May your kids can go learn about a different Asian cultures though arts and crafts. Check out the schedule, you don't want to miss this!

Movies at the District

FREE movies!! I wanted to get this up quick because these start this week!

Every Friday & Saturday night at the Green Valley District, you and your family can enjoy a movie under the stars with free popcorn. Bring your blankets and a snack and sit back and relax!

Here are the upcoming movies and times for you to get on your calendar. Check back often to see what is coming up for the next few weeks!

Friday, 5/8/09 7:30pm - Wall-E (G)

Saturday, 5/9/09 7:30pm - High School Musical 3 (G)

Friday, 5/15/09 8:00pm - Toy Story (G)

Saturday, 5/16/09 8:00pm - Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (PG)

Friday, 5/22/09 8:00pm - Disney's Snow White (G)

Saturday, 5/23/09 8:00pm - Bedtime Stories (PG)

Friday, 5/29/09 8:00pm - Kung Fu Panda (PG)

Saturday, 5/30/09 8:00pm - Seven Pounds (edited PG)

Summer is HERE!!

It is my hope that this will be a great resourse for you and your family!! I don't know about you, but with 4 kids and an entire summer of days to fill with entertainment, it seems like quite a daunting task.... NOT anymore!!! My idea for this blog is to link you to several cool activities in the valley that are fun and sometimes FREE, give you my opinions, and also some weekly scenerios of fun filled days!!

I welcome any comments on how to make this site GREAT for everyone so let's start bloggin'!!